Almond Snowball Cookies Christmas

These melt-in-your-mouth almond snowball cookies are the perfect Christmas treat to add to your holiday baking collection, with the keyword 'almond snowball cookies Christmas' right at the start. Ready in just 50 minutes, this festive cookie recipe delivers a delicate, buttery texture and gentle almond flavor in every bite. Ideal for holiday gifting or party trays, these soft powdered cookies bring nostalgia and sophistication to your annual Christmas baking lineup.

I first made these almond snowball cookies for my inaugural Christmas gathering in our new home, testing a family recipe with subtle twists like fresh orange zest. The warm, inviting aroma drew everyone to the kitchen and guests raved about the rich almond notes and delicate texture. Ever since, 'Christmas snowball cookies' have been my go to festive recipe—people eagerly anticipate seeing their powdered white tops and tasting that perfectly tender center every December.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (16 Tbsp, softened at room temperature): Provides the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture crucial for snowball cookies. Choose high quality unsalted butter for the most flavor; salted butter can be used but omit extra salt.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup for dough, plus 1 1/2 cups for rolling): Gives the signature powdery coating and gentle sweetness. Sift before using for the smoothest dough and best visual effect. Substitute with homemade powdered sugar if needed.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and aromatic complexity; use pure extract for best results but imitation will work in a pinch.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Creates structure. Measure by spooning and leveling to avoid dense cookies. Can be replaced with a gluten free cup-to-cup blend if desired.
• Fine salt (1/2 tsp, preferably sea salt): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; fine salt disperses best but kosher salt can work in larger crystals.
• Almond flour or fine almond meal (1 cup): Delivers that distinctive, nutty almond base. Use blanched almond flour for the most delicate texture or swap with finely ground nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for variation.
• Orange zest (1/2 Tbsp, from 1 medium orange): Provides bright citrus aroma unique to these snowball cookies. Always use fresh, never dried zest, for the essential oils that make these cookies special.

How to Make Almond Snowball Christmas Cookies

Prepare Your Equipment:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Prepare a shallow bowl with about 1 cup of powdered sugar for coating the cookies after baking. Taking these steps first ensures a smooth, organized baking session.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale yellow, fluffy, and expanded in volume. Proper creaming introduces air and results in a light, tender snowball cookie.

Add Flavoring Elements:

Mix in the vanilla extract and fresh orange zest, scraping down the sides of the bowl so the flavors are evenly distributed. This step infuses the dough with holiday aromas and highlights the nutty almond profile.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together all purpose flour, salt, and almond flour. This ensures even distribution, preventing salty or nutty clumps in the finished cookies and creating a uniform texture.

Create the Dough:

Gradually add the dry mix into the butter mixture, blending on low speed just until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies, stopping as soon as everything is combined.

Shape the Cookies:

Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion dough, rolling each piece into a 1 inch ball between your palms. Arrange cookies about 1 inch apart on the lined sheets; snowball cookies spread very little as they bake.

Bake to Perfection:

Place trays in the oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes until cookies are set but not browned on top. The bottoms should be barely golden. Watch closely in the last few minutes as the delicate dough can brown quickly.

Roll in Powdered Sugar:

Let cookies cool 5 minutes on the tray, then gently roll each still warm (but not hot) ball in powdered sugar. This initial coating helps sugar stick and forms the classic white exterior.

Apply Second Coating:

Once cookies are completely cool, about 30 minutes, roll again in fresh powdered sugar for a thick, snowy finish. This second coating ensures the signature festive look and a sweet exterior with every bite.

The most magical moment making these almond snowball cookies was with my daughter, gently forming each ball and watching them become dusted in soft white powdered sugar. We laughed as the warm cookies looked just like mini snowballs, creating holiday memories that return every year. This classic recipe has inspired new family traditions while introducing us to the elegant touch orange zest brings to each bite.

Smart Swaps and Variations

For a unique twist on classic Christmas snowball cookies, substitute the almond flour with finely ground pecans or walnuts for a distinct southern flavor. Intensify the almond essence by adding 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to the dough in addition to vanilla. For a different citrus note, lemon or lime zest makes the cookies taste summery and bright, while mini chocolate chips folded into the dough turn them into a delightful chocolate almond treat. If you are gifting or want extra festivity, mix finely crushed peppermint candy with the coating sugar or swap in gluten free flour blends to make the cookies accessible for everyone.

How to Store and Reheat Almond Snowball Cookies

Once completely cool, layer almond snowball Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment paper between each layer to maintain their beautiful snowy finish. Stored properly, these festive cookies stay fresh and tender for up to 2 weeks, though you may need to recoat with fresh powdered sugar after several days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies before their second sugar coating for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before rolling in sugar to serve them as if freshly baked.

What to Serve with Almond Snowball Christmas Cookies

Serve almond snowball cookies with rich hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, or strong coffee for cozy winter gatherings. Arrange on a holiday platter with evergreen sprigs and cinnamon sticks for a stunning display alongside other classic Christmas cookies. For dessert, pair a few cookies with vanilla ice cream or package them in decorative boxes for holiday gifting—a festive touch sure to delight family and friends at any occasion.

Nutritional Benefits

While almond snowball cookies are an indulgent holiday treat, they offer small health advantages from almond flour, which adds plant based protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats absent in standard sugar cookies. Real butter provides conjugated linoleic acid and fat soluble vitamins, and orange zest delivers antioxidants and vitamin C during cold and flu season. Each snowball cookie has about 105 to 110 calories, making them a mindful way to enjoy sweets during the holidays without excess sugar or overeating.

Recipe Success Tips

For bakery quality almond snowball Christmas cookies, start with properly softened butter and never skip sifting powdered sugar into the dough. If the cookies flatten, the butter was probably too warm or the dough insufficiently chilled. Excessive cracking signals too much flour or overmixing. Always roll cookies in sugar while still warm for best adhesion and ensure total cooling before a final dusting so the finish stays dry and snowy. Reduce bake time by one to two minutes if the cookies seem dry or crumbly for a perfectly tender result in your next batch.

These almond snowball cookies have become my most requested Christmas recipe, bringing happiness and sweet tradition to our holiday gatherings for years. Let them become a treasured favorite in your home, making each season memorable with every batch you bake.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I make cookies stay round and not flatten?

Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies retain their classic snowball shape and prevents spreading.

→ Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?

Almond flour gives a unique flavor and texture; substituting it may change the results, but possible if needed.

→ What type of butter works best?

Use unsalted, softened butter for a rich flavor and tender crumb in these cookies.

→ Why add orange zest?

Orange zest brightens the cookies and enhances the aromatic almond flavor, adding a festive touch.

→ How should I coat the cookies in powdered sugar?

Roll warm cookies in sugar once right after baking, then again after they cool for a snowy finish.